5 Tips for The New Biker
Join me in thinking back to a time when, like me, you were a new biker. Relive the excitement, pride and expectation of what that meant to you. Do you remember how you listened to everyone’s sage advice on what to do and what not to do? And how you made sure you implemented every suggestion? No? Yeah, me neither!
Overwhelmed by so many sources of tips and advice, new bikers are in danger of not heeding any of the dos and don’ts, no matter how beneficial. So I’ve put together a simple list of five key tips for new bikers.
For the new bikers reading this: this list is not meant to be exhaustive (we want you to remember at least some of it, you know?), but it hopefully covers the basics and maybe even a bit more.
1.Preparation is your new middle name – Everyone has their favorite stash of stuff with their bike, but think about the small things that might help you in the future were something to happen while you’re out. For example, carry a small puncture repair kit, or maybe a piece of a plastic hose (for syphoning petrol if you were to run out in the middle of nowhere and a motorist stopped to help) and hey, maybe even a juice box. Because really, who doesn’t like juice?
2. Protection is key- get good kit and something for all seasons. And definitely invest in a quality helmet!
3. The art of maintenance – no one expects you to be able to service your bike or perform major servicing (unless you’re interested in it and spend the time learning). But being able to do some rather basic maintenance on your bike will improve your confidence, your comfort on your bike and the ability to troubleshoot the little things. Examples of this could be learning how to check oil levels, to deal with punctured tyres, even learning about pad replacement, removing the fairings, the mudguards and more.
4. New habits (should) die hard – It’s important to learn and integrate a new awareness ASAP. Of course it’s something you’ve studied and practiced but integration is the key. Continued awareness of your surroundings, of being in blind spots, ability to identify traffic troubles ahead, all of this will form solid habits that will hold you in good stead. As someone once wisely suggested, “Ride as if you are invisible and everyone else on the road is out to get you!”
5. It’s all in the ‘tude – this is a tad indulgent (on my part) since it’s impossible to actually give you tips or advice on what the right “attitude” is to have or how to get it. But never fear because if you’ve gone to the effort of becoming a biker, then the seeds of a free and often rebellious spirit with the love of the ride are already in you. In other words, The Force is with you, young Skywalker.
And if you think you can handle even more suggestions, we asked a panel of experts (known as the biker family in the Twitter community) for any additional advice for newbies on the road and here’s what they said:
- ALWAYS wear your protective gear. You can lose skin or bang your head at any time! (@carolinehornet)
- Lift your head up and stop looking at only what is immediately in front of you. (@1130cc)
- There’s always someone faster than you OR at least they tell you that! (@Lupoleejackson)
- Expect everyone else on the road hasn’t seen you and they’ll do the most stupid thing in front of you. (@andy1975lanc)
- Never let your guard down, always beware of other vehicles, because they just don’t see you! (@Airdevils)
- Put in the miles and treat every day as a school day (never stop learning). (@RichTWarms)
- Know your limits & ride your own ride. (@BusaHoney)
- Enjoy every second! (@Dallasxx)
- Get out there, relax and SMILE! (Mike McM, @BLDGroup Claims Director).
All great tips from seasoned riders. What do you think – is there anything that’s missing from the list or additional wise words you’d like to pass on?
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